Derry resident confronted driver with a knife fined £500

Parking issues that had been 'a source of annoyance' for some time led to a resident confronting a driver with a knife Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

Terence Paul Waterkemp (61) of Summerhill Meadows in Derry admitted a charge of possessing a bladed article and a charge of assault that occurred on March 2 this year.

The court heard that the reporting person was returning to his vehicle that he had parked in Summerhill Meadows due to instructions from his employer. 

As he approached the vehicle he saw Waterkemp coming from his house telling him he could not park there. 

The man said he had been told to park there by his employer and at this Waterkemp produced a knife with an 8 inch blade and gave the driver verbal abuse. 

The man was in fear of being assaulted and drove away. The knife was not recovered. 

Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said that the knife was a kitchen knife the defendant had lifted. 

He said that parking in the area had been a bone of contention for some time. 

The barrister said Waterkemp had no record and this behaviour was 'completely out of character.' 

The defendant was fined £500 and ordered to pay £300 in compensation.